'Ademola is unusual' - Juric confirms rift with Lookman has been resolved ahead of Atalanta v Sassuolo

Atalanta coach Ivan Juric has confirmed that his issue with Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has been resolved ahead of their Serie A clash against Sassuolo.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference in Zingonia on Saturday, Juric said Lookman had trained regularly with the team following their UEFA Champions League victory over Marseille.

"He always works well; that reaction is something that can happen every now and then,"Juric said, as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Juric drew parallels to a previous situation involving goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi earlier in the season.

"Ademola is unusual; you get over it. And sometimes these incidents help improve relationships: with Carnesecchi we've opened up, and I feel much closer to him now."

Juric commended Lookman for his display against Marseille, where the Nigerian forward saw his goal ruled out prior to his substitution.

"He suffered, but in Marseille he played an excellent game and I hope he continues to rise."

The 2024 African Footballer of the Year is expected to join the Super Eagles training camp after the Serie A game against Sassuolo on Sunday, having been included in the 24-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs against Gabon in Morocco next week.

Wale Adejumo

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